With Spring just around the corner, spend your break in the great outdoors in some of the US’s top destinations!
Spending some time in nature has proven to be great for both your emotional and physical states. From grand waterfalls to world-renowned hiking trails, the US boasts some of the most iconic parks welcoming millions of visitors every year. After the pandemic, many travelers are resorting to the outdoors during breaks to boost both their physical and mental capabilities.
Get packing for some adventure-filled fun with family and friends to these top outdoor destinations that’ll place you in awe!
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Welcoming over 4 million visitors a year, Yellowstone National Park is an adventure paradise for many all over the world. It boasts over 2.2 million acres of untouched natural beauty that includes mountains, canyons, geysers, and waterfalls. Enjoy some awe-inspiring views at Old Faithful Geyser and Mammoth Hot Springs, some of the park’s most popular spots. Explore a range of hiking trails that leave you breathless with views during your explorative journey.
Yellowstone is not just a haven for adventure seekers, it also offers an array of activities for those seeking a calmer getaway. These include biking, horseback riding, and kayaking around the stunning landscape of the park.
Be sure to take time and visit Yellowstone Lake for a boating expedition and Hayden Valley for the best wildlife watching opportunities!
The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The word “Grand” does not do this place justice when it comes to its size and beauty. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, it welcomes over 6 million visitors per year. The canyon runs on 277 river miles in length and 18 miles in the width of some of the best sites in the country.
The canyon offers visitors an array of adrenaline-boosting activities, including a vast amount of hiking trails and whitewater rafting along the Colorado River.
Every area delivers a unique experience. For instance, The South Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Village and is home to the park’s headquarters. It is the most popular area and includes a range of shops, restaurants, and resting lounges for visitors. Moreover, The North Rim is relatively quieter as it is usually closed in winter due to its high elevation and snowfall. However, it is a great spot to catch sunsets and views during warmer months. Furthermore, The West Rim features The Skywalk, situated 4,000 feet above the Canyon floor, and provides some of the best hiking trails for visitors.
Yosemite National Park, California
Yosemite National Park has been a protected haven since 1864. Moreover, it is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and ecological diversity. It is an icon of America’s most natural landscapes and welcomes millions of visitors each year. Yosemite is best known for its waterfalls; however, it also includes deep valleys, meadows, wilderness areas, and more within its 1,200 square miles of naturistic scenes.
It is considered one of the top rock-climbing destinations of the world, specifically in the awe-inspiring cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. Likewise, it is world-renowned for its dense offering of waterfalls that provide some of the best natural getaways in the country. Those include the Yosemite Falls which are the highest in North America at 2,425 feet.
There much to do and see in this natural wonder, whether you’re there to experience the great outdoors and breathe in the fresh air on a hike or simply backpack through gorgeous sites.
Olympic National Park, Washington
Located in northwestern Washington, Olympic National Park encompasses close to a million acres of glacier cliffs, valleys, hot springs, and coastline. The park is famous for its wilderness protection of different ecosystems and rainforests, making it not only a spot for nature lovers but also wilderness spots.
Some of the park’s unique areas are its coastal life and crystal-clear waters that offer some of the best spots during the warmer months. Those areas include Lake Ozette, Kalalock/Ruby Beach, and Mora/Rialto Beach.
It offers a range of activities for visitors including kayaking through rivers and lakes, nightlife programs, and wildlife viewings. Thus, it is not only a hiking haven for adventure-seekers but also offers the perfect escape for family and friends to soak up some sun and fresh air!
Get packing!
As warmer temperatures arrive in most areas of the US, we strongly advise heading to these destinations before summer starts due to the high volume of visitor arrival. Most of the destinations offer a range of accommodation options including hotels, cabins, and RV parks that serve visitors of all types.
Stay tuned on Triphop for the best destination searches and travel trends!
References:
https://travel.usnews.com/Yellowstone_National_Park_WY/Things_To_Do/
https://travel.usnews.com/rankings/best-adventure-vacations-in-the-usa/
https://travel.usnews.com/Grand_Canyon_AZ/
https://www.visitarizona.com/grand-canyon/
https://www.visitarizona.com/grand-canyon/grand-canyon-south-north-and-west-rims/
https://www.travelyosemite.com/
https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm
https://www.olympicnationalparks.com/
https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/boating.htm
https://bearfoottheory.com/olympic-national-park-itinerary/